Tanjung Puting Forest and Land Fire, Government Prepares 30 Drilled Wells to Prevent Fire from Reaching Core Zone

Thick smoke hampers fire helicopters

Raja Juli explained that support from six water bombing helicopters was available in Central Kalimantan (Kalteng). However, its use faces visibility problems due to thick smoke, including around Pangkalan Bun and Palangka Raya.

The government is preparing an alternative helicopter operation via Kuala Pembuang Airport, Seruyan Regency, which is reported to have better visibility.

"We will try to move the existing helicopters in South Kalimantan, at least we can borrow one first. Then also from other areas where conditions are starting to improve. We will try to move them to Kuala Pembuang and carry out water bombing from there," he explained.

Apart from air blackouts, the government is preparing the Weather Modification Operation (OMC) option by considering the potential for rain cloud growth on 15–16 October 2026.

If flights from Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) are still hampered by smoke, the operation is planned to use alternative flights from Syamsudin Noor Airport, South Kalimantan.

Involve the Community in 15 Villages

The ground extinguishing involved Manggala Agni Ministry of Forestry, TNI, Polri, BPBD, volunteers and the Fire Care Community (MPA).

The government is also encouraging citizen involvement in 15 villages around Tanjung Puting National Park through the formation and strengthening of MPA groups, accompanied by support for firefighting equipment.